Chapter Twenty - Elliot - Heaven Help

"Its about time," I laughed, taking on of Charles' suitcases, "I've visited your wife a few times. Any longer and I fear your parlor would've been in great danger of a refurbishing."

Charles grinned, "I wouldn't be surprised if the bedroom was already redone. She's always up to something."

We walked through the front door and a maid immediatly took the luggage. Mrs. Lettington herself was right behind her, quickly wrapping her husband in her arms.

"If knew you were to be gone that long I would've come with you," she chided.

He laughed and hugged her back, "And I would've taken you."

I watched them with a smile. I had been younger at their wedding but I remembered them looking very happy. He hadn't had his mustache back then and my eldest sister had been rather taken with the bride's wedding dress. And yet their devotion seemed to have only deepened over the years.

Wedding. Devotion. With a quick shake of the head, I pushed the thoughts aside before they could sink too deeply.

"I'll be back shortly my dear," Charles smiled apologetically, "I'm afraid I must leave you for one more afternoon; Elliot and I have some catching up to do."

She smiled, "I'll have dinner ready for both of you when you return."

***

I had nearly forgotten how far my efforts had gotten me while Charles was gone. No matter the street, at least one or two people would warmly greet me or wave at me from their carriage. I had grown so accustomed to it over the past week that I simply tipped my hat in turn or held short conversations. I had just finished joking with one of the other young men my age and was still chuckling to myself when I caught Charles looking up at me strangely.

"What?"
He shook his head, "What have you been doing? I didn't expect this much popularity even with my help."
"I've just been socializing," I shrugged, "The hotel had little to entertain so I decided I'd find some more useful employment."

He shook his head again, "So why did your smooth tongue fail you with this theif of yours?"

Mr. Scott. I hid a scowl with a smile, "I'm afraid he had a smoother one."

Charles shrugged and we walked on. I soon got him on the topic of his journey and the friends he had visited--a much safer route than the former conversation.

I wasn't quite ready to reveal Mr. Scott's arrival yet; I didn't know how Charles would react. Getting through to a wily business fraud was much more complicated than getting through to these local citizens--I would know. There were also emotions involved, which didn't make it any easier. Had we not been interrupted last night I had no doubt one of us would've left with a broken nose.

No, I needed to step back and find time to really sort things out before I told Charles. My concious began to remind me of all the secrets I had begun to keep from my cousin; I'd be in sorry shape if it wasn't for him. Yet, like all those games I'd learned to play, I'd have to make that move later; the best stragedy for now was to keep all the cards to myself.
"Congratulations, Mr. Samuelson!" a middle-aged woman beamed, "Mr. Ainsworth must really be fond of you."

I smiled and tipped my hat she passed us and Charles looked up at me again, "Congratulations? On what?"

 "Just...something to do with the Gransville Estate," I tugged on my jacket collar casually. Then, as an afterthought added,"By the way, do you know who Nora Ainsworth is?"

"Nora Ainsworth?" he twisted his mustache, "Why yes, she's the eldest daughter of our dear Mr. Ainsworth."

A second ball of lead hit my stomach. The eldest?! I had vowed myself to my only potential downfall? I thought for sure it was one of the younger ones. Afterall, I never had two bigger boosts to my ego. But...the eldest?!

"You're sure?" I rose a doubting eyebrow, trying to look casual.

"Quite," he nodded, "We've known of her since we moved here. Why?"

I shrugged, "No reason."  Only that if clergymen were capable of killing, I'd best start counting my sunrises. That Mr. Hodges wouldn't be pleased in the least.

"Congratulations, Mr. Samuelson!" a man came up from behind us, "I've just heard that you're--"

"Advancing," I interrupted, grabbing his hand and shaking it, "Yes, I'm very excited. Thank you."

By now Charles' had grown a little more suspicious. I tried once more to deter him from the topic but another passerby had to ruin it. How had word gotten out so quickly?!

"I've just heard the news, Mr. Samuelson! It'll be good to have a mistress for your new estate."

That did it. Not even the greatest excuses could've covered up that one. My cousin was on me like a bloodhound who had just caught a scent trail.

"Mistress?"

I gave a weak smile and a shrug, "Well--"

With a great sigh and roll of his eyes, he began looking around. Finally his eyes fell on a secluded corner between two shops. He tersly nodded his head towards it and I followed him until we were far enough from the view of passerbys.

"Elliot," he hissed, "What did you do?!"

There was no hiding it now. The way news seemed to be spreading, he'd learn eventually. And I'd rather he heard my side of the story before he heard anyone else's.

"Well," I sighed, "Mr. Ainsworth called me into his study last night and--"

"You got engaged to Nora Ainsworth?!" he exploded. I scowled; so much for telling it my way.

"Elliot, you don't...you can't even...what were you thinking?!"

 I gave a mirthless chuckle, "I wasn't."

"Apparently. Why did you agree to it? What part of lie-low--"

"Well what would you want me to say?" I asked, suddenly on the defensive, "I'm sorry, Mr. Ainsworth but this is all just a big misunderstanding. I'm actually a fraud who's in debt over his head and I'm afraid marrying your daughter would be most inconvenient."

He scowled, "Well you've sidestepped everything else! Why not this? Afterall, you don't have any money to support her, you don't have a foot of property to your name, you don't even have a real surname!"

"I was caught off gaurd and under pressure," I shot back, "I'm sorry. I know this only complicates things but I promise my only intention as to impress the banker."

Charles sighed--his characteristic way of letting off steam, "We can't undo it, that's clear. I guess the real question is--"

"Yes, I know; What do I do?!"

 "I'm not entirely sure," he responded, "You've got us in deep this time."

He fell into thought and I watched him desperatly. Surely my only source of solid answers couldn't fail me now.

"Well," he finally spoke up,"I guess you're going to have to maintain the integrity part of your image. You're going to have to through with it."

That answer didn't soothe me in the least, "You mean...you mean I'm going to have to actually marry her?!"

"Just court her. Play the part until we find you a way out of this mess," he said, then, pointing a finger at my chest, "And keep in mind, Flirt Samuelson, you are to court only her. Wink at anyone else and you're entire reputation will be ruined."

"But," I protested; that took half the fun out of socializing!

"What?"

"Well...Nothing I guess," I surrendered. Then another concern came to mind and I felt my face flushing, "Actually, I...granted she's a lovely young lady but I...I really don't think I feel the right...affections for that."

Charles only looked at me, "That, my dear cousin, is your predicament. You're the one who went and got yourself engaged.

I rested my head against the brick wall behind me and ran a hand through my hair with a soft laugh. I'd landed myself in scrapes before, but this was ridiculous.

"Now," he was all lecture and drill again, "Is there anything else Mr. Ainsworth spoke of after you agreed?"

"Something about a dinner ball."

Charles nodded, "I thought as much. Very well. We'll find you an egagement ring and think up excuses for why your family wasn't able to attend. After that we'll turn our focus to breaking it off in a lawful and agreeable fashion."

I laughed, "Heaven help us."

"On the contrary," Charles smirked, "Heaven help Miss Ainsworth."

Chapter Nineteen - Nora - A Proposal

The morning air was crisp and cool, despite the storm that had only been raging the night before. It was actually one of those very rare mornings where the air was perfect, and all you had on your mind was to go run outside barefoot.

Of course, I had grown out of the stage a long while ago, although Nelly had not, and so I found myself outside, watching as she giggled, laughed, and frolicked about. I felt a pang of jealousy to be back in that time of innocence and youth. But here I was instead, a grown woman, who knew all too well that innocence could be lost in an instant. For example, overhearing a conversation at a ball, between two cousins, and your innocent idea of a newcomer is shot right out the window.

"Can we pick some flowers Nora?" Nelly asked after she had rolled herself out right under the flower bush. The flowers had always been my mothers tending, and now that she was gone, my father had hired a gardner, just in her honor. Even just looking upon them made me feel closer to her somehow.

"I don't see why not. The house could use some fresh flowers, wouldn't you say?" I asked getting up from my spot upon the lawn, and already Nelly was racing inside to grab a few baskets along with our bonnets.

"Can I help too? I need some new flowers to put in my hair the next time Mr. Scotts comes over." Minevera asked, batting her eyelashes all to frivilously.

"Of course, because where would we be if not trying to impress Mr. Scotts." I stated sarcastically, but Minevera pretended not to hear me, and instead hurried on before Nelly and I.

We hadn't gotten far into our gathering when a sudden opening of the backyard doors startled us all into looking up to see who it could be.

"Nora! I think we have somethings we need to discuss!" My father stated rather loudly. I wouldn't have been surprised if Hodges and his mother could have heard, but that was my father. He was anything but subtle.

Brushing off the dirt on my skirts, I stood up and walked over to him, wondering what kind of 'business' he could have with me. It wasn't as if I was a bank client, and surely he had more urgent things to attend to then to talk plesantries with his daughter at 9 o'clock on a business day. It had to be something quite serious, if that were the case.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice showing my concerns within the tone.

"Oh, it's nothing bad, I assure you. It's just-" He paused, trying to find a good way to word it. "Maybe we should come inside and discuss it."

He ushered me in, showing me a seat upon the  parlor couch. I sat, and he paced, back and forth, back and forth, obviously nervous. Finally, he turned to me, and opened his mouth, ready to give me his speech.

"There comes a time in every person's life where they need to settle down, let themselves be taken care of, focus on a family of their own. And you have to understand I would never have done what I done if the circumstances hadn't been extraordinary. But you see, the money invovled, it would take care of us for a long time. We would never have want of anything. Can you imagine Nora?"

"Father, are you saying that you-?" He could only mean one thing, and I didn't want to say it aloud. I wouldn't finish my sentence, because just thinking my father wanted to remarry was a very hurtful thought. I mean, the way he had loved my mother was a once in a lifetime love. They had truly been made for each other. It made me angry to think he even thought of remarriage as an option.

He rushed his next words out, all in one breath. "I know you're mad at me, and with good reason. I mean to do something of this proportion and not ask your permission, well, it's quite terrible of me, but you have to understand, if I didn't ask, someone else was sure to swoop in and ask and before you know it, the opportunity would have been gone."

I breathed a few breaths of air, hoping to clear my lungs and my head. Still, my voice went quiet as I tried to hide my anger. Having another woman in the house was a huge deal, and it wasn't just something you could spring onto a person. "Have you told anyone else?"

"Besides you, no." My father admitted, his voice also lowered. "I'm sorry Nora, but you must get use to the idea. I promise you, neither I nor you will regret this. Good is surely to come of it all, especially because of the substantial amount of money involved. Just think of it Nora!"

I did just then try to think of it the way my father was thinking of it. Clearly, he was getting up their in age, and as he said, he was at a point in his life where he needed taken care of. A woman, especially a woman that had such wealth as he said she had would be good for him. Maybe he could even retire, which would be a huge blessing to us all.

I sighed, knowing my father was probably going to win this battle. "You do know it will be a very loveless marriage." I stated, knowing he needed to see the reality of his situation.

"Well yes, I did only think of the money at the time of the proposal. But, who knows, love can blossom in the strangest of places, and I think if it's nurtured and cared for, it will definitely grow." My father shrugged, a mischievous smile popping up on his face.

"And what about Minevera, Hettie and Nelly? How do you think they will take the news?" I asked, addressing another issue I was concerned about.

"Well, you've been nothing but a mother to them, but I'm sure they will adjust in due time. It was bound to happen sooner or later Nora, and I just hurried it along, so that it would be sooner. Besides, I would think the girls would be ecstatic. Isn't that all they ever talk about?"

Ya I had been a mother to the girls, but a new mother would be a whole different idea to get use to. And yes, Minevera and Hettie would probably be ecstatic to have a new woman (and a load full of money) in the house. And they did talk about marriage a lot, I just don't think they ever thought it would be father's that was on their minds though.

"But what this really is about is mother, isn't it?" I asked, trying to approach the topic gently.

"Your mother? What's she got to do with this?" My father's eyebrows shot up in confusion.

"She has everything to do with it." I insisted, wondering how my father could just forget about her in loo of another woman.

"What, that she won't be hear to witness it?" My father asked, scratching his bearded chin in habit. "Because I assure you, she's very proud of you Nora. I think she'd be very happy with the match, especially considering you'd be taken care of."

It was my turn to allow my brows to shoot up in confusion. "You think she'd be happy with the match?"


"Extremely." My father grinned. "She'd want it more than anything."

I paused a second in thought. "Well, you knew her best. And if you're happy, and you think she'd be happy with it, then I'll be happy with it."

My father grabbed me impulsively. "Oh thank you Nora! I knew you'd warm up to the idea!" He kissed both my cheeks, and then twirled me around, and I laughed.

"Father don't you have business you need to attend to?" I asked, as soon as he stopped dancing around the room.

He nearly choked. "Oh! I've completely forgot about all that! I must be getting back." He hugged me again, and the grin couldn't be wiped off his face. "Thank you again Nora! You won't regret this!"

"Oh and father?" I stated, stopping him just as he moved towards the door.

"Yes Nora?" He asked, looking me over closely, hoping I hadn't changed my mind.

"Go ahead and tell everyone about the proposal. Tell the whole town! You deserve at least that." I grinned, glad that my father was completely and utterly happy.

My father grinned back. "I will! I will!" He promised before taking off, to who knew where. I laughed and shook my head. Hopefully my father was right, and that this was going to benefit us all. 

Chapter Eighteen - Elliot - Thin Ice

Though Mr. Ainsworth's reasurrances of his opinnion of me had soothed my nerves some--which were still reeling from showing up uninvited--his invitation to come into his study had my palms sweating all over again.

I had seriously doubted my decision to return but I feared not doing so would ruin everything. There I had been, with the perfect opportunity to build my reputation with this vitally important man, and I had let my emotions get the best of me. Leaving so early certainly hadn't been professional and had looked far too suspicious. I knew sooner or later I'd end up on his doorstep trying to win my place back. Afterall, with how closely he'd been watching me at dinner I was sure he was having second thoughts. If I didn't try to redeem myself now, there was a chance I never would.

Of course, it wasn't until I walked in and saw his eldest daughter that I realized my second mistake. She had undoubtedly seen my behavior towards Mr. Scott and I seemed to have interrupted a conversation between her and her father when I entered. She must've told him about it. Why else would he be inviting me into his office alone? They obviously thought well of him and wanted to know what all the fuss was about.

And then I'd have to explain it. Or rather, conjure up another lie to keep from blowing my entire cover. My stomach dropped at the thought but I continued the conversation with the banker with all the enthusiasm I could fake and followed him into his office.

"Please," he motioned to one of the extra chairs, "Have a seat."

I did so, still twisting my hat into ill shape, "Again, I must thank you for your tireless assistance in my endeavors. What is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Well, first off, I've been very impressed with your character, Mr. Samuelson."

For once I was at loss for words. I was lucky if I managed a shaky smile. Was he trying to make me feel comfortable first? Was this the calm before the storm? I thought for sure by the time I walked out of this room I'd have nothing but failure to report to Charles.

When I didn't respond, he continued, "I've been thinking about this for awhile now and I've finally come to a decision."

I wanted to cringe. Turn away and somehow shield myself from what was coming next.

"This might seem a little untoward," he said slowly, a strange sort of sparkle in his eye, "but I would consider it an honor if you would take my daughter's hand in marriage."

If shock were a physical force I'm sure my chair would've been knocked clean over. Marriage?! That was the last scenerio I would've imagined up. This had little to do with what happened at dinner and absolutely nothing to do with the Gransville Estate! Yet, his proposal triggered such an explosion of surprise and relief in my mind that my toungue ran away without it.

"Yes, of course!"

His entire face lit up and I hesitated, realizing what I just what I had done. Suddenly it felt as I had just swallowed a ball of lead--or my foot for that matter. I didn't have time for that sort of mess! There was no taking it back though. Not a promise of that sort of gravity. I wanted to sink deeper into my seat but Mr. Ainsworth was quickly up and shaking my hand, pulling me to my feet.

"Thank you, Mr. Samuelson. Nora's a deserving young woman and I'm sure she'll make a pleasing partner. I've been searching for a suitable man to care for her for some time now and you seemed the most capable. I'm glad that you agreed so readily."

"I...I'm flattered," I managed, knowing I'd have to say something eventually. However, in all honesty I wasn't certain what I was. Befuddled? Embarressed? Honored? Proud?...Guilty?

He grinned and released my hand, "I'm sure Nora will be pleased as well; my daughters absolutely adore you. I'm glad you returned tonight."

"As am I," I lied. In reality, I was beginning to doubt that concious of mine. And Nora? Which one was Nora? I knew the youngest was Nelly, thanks to the night I assisted in finding her. When it came to the other three though, I was lost. I knew I'd been introduced to two of them at the ball but I'd also been introduced to half the town that night. And I'd heard her father mention the name several times but I hardly paid attention to who he was addressing. Was Nora the eldest or was that Minerva? Perhaps she was the second. No, that one was Henrietta. The third?  Who had I just promised myself to?!

I didn't dare ask Mr. Ainsworth. Not that I would've had the chance; he was too busy filling my ears with ideas of some sort of celebration and all the amiable qualities of this Nora. I nodded and smiled, trying to put my rushing thoughts on hold until my departure. Just from the small amount of time I'd spent working with this man, I knew Mr. Ainsworth was a man of business. Once he found a foothold in any sort of benefitting venture, there was no standing in his way.

Eventually, though, I was ushered out of the study, through the parlor, and to the door with a string of apologies for keeping me late. I assured the banker that it was I who had returned in the first place and there was nothing he need concern himself with.

"What about the weather you mentioned? Would you rather stay and depart in the morning?"

"Oh no," I blurted; there was only a light drizzle but not even a full downpour could've kept me there any longer, "I...have some business at the hotel that needs taking care of. Many thanks though."

With a friendly shrug, he said his goodbyes and I stepped out onto the porch. The door shut behind me and I finally dropped the composure, slumping my shoulders and running a hand through my hair. I blew out a great burst of breath and loosened my cravat. It had been quite the evening; between Nathaniel Scott and Nora Ainsworth, sleep would be the last thing to occupy my thoughts tonight.

A mirthless chuckled escaped my lips; at least my Charolette Evans problems were solved.

Chapter Seventeen - Nora - An Unexpected Revisiter

"Quite an evening, wasn't it Nora dear?" My father plopped down into his favorite chair in the parlor, his newspaper already tucked under his arm, at the ready for whenever his fancy irked him to read it.

"Indeed." I stated quitely, still puzzling over the scene of the two gentlemen outside. Something was clearly going on between the two, some unfinished business of some sort. Well, considering it was hardly any of my
business, but still, it had me intrigued. I mean, the men were going to be coming in and out of my house because my father was the banker, and so I would have much aquiantance with both. Probably not both at the same time, if by the looks of the two outside, there would be a lot of avoiding between the two.

"I'm tired now." Nelly offered, rubbing her eyes sleepily as she haphazardly climbed upon my lap, dragging Mary only by her left arm.

"Too bad the two couldn't stay any longer." Minevera gave a very dramatic sigh. "Such a pity. I'm sure I could of had one of the two half convinced to marry me by nights end, if not both of them."

"Minevera!" I stated, surprised she had used such boldness, but my father only laughed, making me turn to him in shock.

"We needn't worry about marriage proposals from those two." My father stated, his eyes twinkling brightly, wearing the same look he always wore whenever he thought he had a brilliant plan.

I opened my mouth to question what he meant, but Peggy walked in a third time for the evening, interupting once again.

"Sorry to disturb Master, but, uh, the gentleman is back and is now waiting for ye at the door." She stated, a strange look on her face, as if she didn't quite get what was going on.


"Oh I hope it's Mr. Scotts!" Minevera whispered to Hettie and the two giggled, right before they went into straightening their dresses and recurling their limp hair with just their fingers.

"Oh, by all means, show him in!" My father looked absolutely enthraled, almost jumping out of his seat with anticipation. Peggy nodded and left immediately, ready to show the man in, whoever he was.

Nelly rubbed her tired eyes a second time. "Do I get to stay up longer?" She asked, her voice showing she was obviously excited.

"I thought you were tired." I teased, pulling her closer to me.

"Not anymore, I promise!" She stated solemnly, and I laughed, and began to tickle her, making her laugh and squirm ontop of me.

"Sorry for the interruption, and sudden intrusion. I hope by no means you find me rude." I looked up, only to find Mr. Samuelson had entered the parlor, looking extremely uncomfortable and holding his top hat in front of him, in a very apologetic manner.

"Oh, Mr. Samuelson, we thought you had left for home." My father grinned, studying the man over, for whatever reason.

"Yes. Well, I had actually, except, halfway to my hotel room, my conscience got the better of me, and well, here I am." Mr. Samuelson grinned and shrugged his shoulders, clearly not too shaken at what had passed between him and Mr. Scotts, or at least, not visibly.

"Conscience? What ever for?" My father questioned, sitting up a little taller in his seat.

"I feel the need to apologize, Mr. Ainsworth. I realize now how terribly rude of me it was to run out on dinner such as I did. I regret how I behaved tonight. It's just Mr. Scotts and I-" He broke off, not quite sure how to word it I guessed. "It's a long story, something I really don't need to get into, but I want to sincerely apologize for my behavior, and hope I'm in no lower standing in your eyes, especially regarding if I am responsible enough to take on the Gransville estate-"

My father cut him off. "Oh Mr. Samuelson, there was no need to worry. I could think no less of you, especially regarding the Gransville estate."

By this time, Hettie and Minevera had gotten bored with the conversation, now that they knew it had nothing to do with them. Myself, I was still very much intrigued, probably only because I was still trying to figure out just exactly who Mr. Samuelson was who and what was he about.

Mr. Samuelson's face grew brighter at my father's last statement. "Really?" He asked, nonbelieving my father meant it.

"Quite. In fact, I have some unfinished business to attend to with you, and I'm quite happy you decided to stop by so soon again. It makes it much easier to just get to the point, don't you think?" My father grinned and stood, just as Mr. Samuelson's own grin grew twice in size. 

"I completely agree, Mr. Ainsworth. No point in beating around the bush."

"Great. Then, if you'll just follow me to my study," My father opened the parlor door, and Mr. Samuelson stepped out, almost crushing his forgotten hat within his hands because of his anxiousness. "Nora, could you see the girls to bed?" My father stated quietly to me, already halfway out the door.

I nodded in agreement, knowing my father wouldn't be done anytime soon if he were to talk real estate with Mr. Samuelson.

Nelly yawned. "Well, I am kind of tired." She decided. I only laughed, and set her down, holding her hand to make sure she could make it up the stairs without falling down with fatigue.

"Can you tell me a good story, just like Mr. Samuelson?" She asked innocently as we walked up the stairs.

"Sure." I said quietly, a smile appearing on my own face.

We passed my father's study just as he gave me one last mischevious look before shutting the door, locking it to make sure no one would disturb him. As if any of us girls wanted to go listen in to his converstation.